Factors associated with the utilization of dental health services by the elderly patients in Health Center No.54, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 335 elderly patients who had oral health problems in diabetes, hypertension, elderly and general clinic in Health Center no.54, Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with the utilization of dental health services in elderly patients. The data was collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistic and Chi-square test. 48.9 percent of the elderly patients had visited a dentist in the past year. 48.1 percent were received dental health services at Health Center no.54. 48.8 percent were received extraction last time. Most of the elderly patients (88.5%) went to the dentist for emergency. And only 9.0 percent check up regularly. No need was the main reason for not using dental health services in the past. Monthly income, systemic disease, presence of supporting person to bring to Health Center no.54, cost of care, treatment received last time, using health insurance for dental health services, place of receiving dental health services, check up regular, attitude toward dental treatment and dental status were the factors associated with the utilization of dental health services in elderly patients. This indicates a compelling need for specific strategies for oral health promotion and disease prevention activities. It is essential to increase the involvement of other health professionals for elderly patients to overcome the barriers in dental health service utilization, and improve self-care capacity in oral health.